Greetings,

I've got a 99 Camaro w/T-tops. The metal lip in the middle of the roof, where the tops come together and tuck underneath, is showing considerable wear from friction and its looking kind of bad. There's no rust, I figure it can be touched up with a little gloss black automotive spray paint.

Has anyone else painted this piece? Is there a good paint that will last that anyone can recommend? and how much prep should this piece need with no rust present...just a little sanding to make the paint stick? primer?

Thanks in advance
^JR^

 

depends if the original paint is still there or gone. be specific on what you have. maybe even a picture. I'd hate to tell you something you don't need or vise versa...

 

Thx for the reply.

I dont have a pic handy, so I'll do my best to describe it to you.

Its worn most on the edges of the front and back. The paint is worn back maybe 1/4 in off the edge on all sides going back about 3 inches from the end (same both front and back.) Where the paint is gone, the dull gray factory primer remains and is wearing away also. The rest getting very faded. You can see that its supposed to be shiny, but its not anymore. The inside part, where the tops go in looks good, except for a light rust ring around the screws.

^JR^

 

are you talking about the top of that trim piece (like, the part you still see when the t-tops are in place) or are you taking about inside the groves between the canter piece and where the weather stripping is?

either way scuff with at least 400 grit before applying paint. if theres no exposed metal where your painting dont worry about primer, esp if your using black paint anyway. just make sure you do a good job at taping up your whole car. you dont want any overspray around it. tape off rims and tires too.

 

Correct, the top piece that is exposed when the tops are in. The inside looks good, except for very light rust stains around the edge of the screws, but I can rub these away with my finger.

Thanks for your help.

^JR^